Perceived Effects of Drug and Substance Abuse on Well-Being among Rural Youths in Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Drug and substance abuse is increasingly becoming a major concern in many parts of the world, affecting both young and older individuals. In recent years, this problem has also become more evident in rural communities despite its serious consequences. This study examines perceived effect of drug and substance abuse on well-being. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 rural youths using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 23. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed, and results were presented in tables and figures. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing rural youth’s perceptions of the effect of drugs and substances on their well-being. Results: The findings showed that alcohol was the most commonly abused substance (88.7%), followed by tramadol (64.7%), marijuana (54.90%), and rohypnol (40%). The main reasons reported for drug and substance abuse included boosting physical energy (71.3%), suppressing feelings of depression (55.3%), and relieving boredom (50.7%). More than half of the respondents (59.30%) indicated that drug and substance abuse had no negative effect on their well-being. Result further revealed that curiosity and boredom were significantly factors associated with drug abuse among rural youth. Conclusion: The rural youths have limited understanding of the implications of drug and substance abuse on their well-being. Without proper awareness, the harmful effects may be overlooked. Regular training, awareness campaigns, and reorientation programmes are essential to improve their perspectives on substance abuse and its implications for their well-being.